The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Grand Targhee's summit reaches 9,918 feet, dropping 2,067 vertical feet to a base at 7,851 feet across 97 runs spread over 2,602 acres in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Terrain splits 33 per cent beginner, 37 per cent intermediate, 25 per cent advanced and 5 per cent expert. Average annual snowfall reaches 464 inches, among the highest totals of any resort on the Wyoming-Idaho border. The resort operates on the Mountain Collective pass, giving members two days of access alongside more than 20 other partner resorts.
The mountain sits on the western, leeward side of the Teton Range, catching storms that Jackson Hole's eastern slopes miss, which explains its outsized snowfall relative to its modest 2,067-foot vertical drop. Intermediate terrain dominates at 37 per cent, spread across groomed runs on the mountain's two main peaks. Advanced skiers get access to glade skiing and steeper pitches, while the five per cent expert terrain sits near the summit. The 97-run count is spread wide rather than steep, favouring cruising over technical descents.
Grand Targhee opened on 26 December 1969 as a joint venture of east Idaho investors trading under Grand Targhee, Inc., formed in 1966. The resort takes its name from Chief Targhee, a 19th-century leader of the Bannock people. Idaho Governor Don Samuelson formally dedicated the resort on 2 February 1970, six weeks after its opening lifts began running. The base village remains small and low-key compared with Jackson Hole, an hour and a half away by road.
Mountain Collective pass holders receive two days at Grand Targhee as part of a network spanning more than 20 resorts worldwide. Full-day adult tickets range from 103 to 110 US dollars depending on date, with a season pass priced at 849 dollars. The resort suits skiers prioritising snow quantity and a quieter base area over Jackson Hole's steeper terrain and larger crowds. Its position on the far side of the Tetons from Jackson keeps visitor numbers lower despite the exceptional snowfall.
2,067ft
Vertical
97
Runs
2,602 acres
Skiable
39ft
Annual snow
Mountain Collective
Pass
The Terrain
97 runs across 2,602 acres skiable
Grand Targhee spreads 97 runs across 2,602 acres skiable of terrain. It leans intermediate at 37%, with 32 beginner runs to find your feet and 29 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
97
runs
97 runs across 4 grades
Beginner32 runs · 33%
Intermediate36 runs · 37%
Advanced24 runs · 25%
Expert5 runs · 5%
Time it right
When to visit Grand Targhee
The 2025-26 season at Grand Targhee ran from 22 November 2025 to 12 April 2026, a roughly twenty-week window that ranks among the longer seasons in Wyoming. The resort's high base elevation of 7,851 feet supports an extended operating window compared with lower Wyoming ski areas. Opening and closing dates shift slightly year to year based on early and late-season snowpack. The nearly five-month season reflects the mountain's position as one of the higher-elevation resorts in the region.
Average annual snowfall of 464 inches ranks Grand Targhee among the snowiest resorts in the Rocky Mountain region, a product of its exposure to Pacific storm systems crossing the Snake River Plain before hitting the Tetons' western slopes. This orographic position gives Targhee notably more snow than Jackson Hole, roughly 40 miles away on the range's drier eastern side. Base depths build steadily through midwinter given the volume of natural snowfall. Snowmaking plays a secondary role compared with resorts reliant on machine-made cover.
January and February typically deliver the deepest natural snowpack, consistent with the broader Rocky Mountain storm pattern. March and early April often extend the season with spring storms layered on a deep base, a pattern the 12 April 2026 close date reflects. Early season conditions in late November can be thinner before the snowpack builds. Midweek visits generally carry lighter crowds than weekends, given the resort's reliance on destination rather than day-trip visitors from Jackson.
Grand Targhee does not compete on event programming to the extent some larger resorts do, with its calendar centred on reliable powder skiing rather than festivals. The resort's position 42 miles from Jackson by road, but accessible only via Driggs, Idaho, limits casual day-trip crowds relative to Jackson Hole. Mountain Collective pass holders add to visitor numbers during their two allotted days per season. The base area's smaller scale, relative to Jackson Hole's Teton Village, keeps the atmosphere quieter despite the resort's snowfall reputation drawing visitors from further afield.
Season 2025 - 2026
22 Nov 2025
Opens
12 Apr 2026
Closes
141
Days open
39 ft
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Grand Targhee, and where to stay
Grand Targhee sits in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest on the western slope of the Teton Range, in Alta, Wyoming, though the resort is reachable only from the Idaho side of the mountains. Base elevation is 7,851 feet, with the summit reaching 9,918 feet. The resort lies 42 miles northwest of Jackson as measured directly, but no through road crosses the mountains in winter, making the practical route far longer. Its position on the leeward side of the Tetons defines both its access and its snowfall.
Driggs, Idaho, sits just 12 miles from the resort and serves as the nearest town of any size, with Idaho Falls a further hour's drive beyond that. Jackson, Wyoming, lies on the opposite side of the range and is reached via a roughly 90-minute drive around the mountains rather than the shorter direct distance. The Teton Valley on the Idaho side has a quieter, more agricultural character than the tourist-driven town of Jackson. Both valleys share the Teton Range as a backdrop but differ substantially in development and visitor infrastructure.
Idaho State Highway 33 and local roads provide the main access route from Driggs, climbing into the Caribou-Targhee National Forest to reach the resort. Reaching Grand Targhee from Jackson typically means driving via Teton Pass to Victor and Driggs on the Idaho side, rather than a direct route across the range. The drive from Jackson takes roughly 90 minutes under normal winter conditions. Winter driving on the approach roads can include snowpack and icy sections, standard for a high-elevation forest route in the Tetons.
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), inside Grand Teton National Park, is the nearest airport with scheduled commercial service, roughly 90 minutes from the resort by road. Idaho Falls Regional Airport offers an alternative roughly 83 miles away, often with more affordable fares than Jackson's seasonal-driven pricing. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in Montana sits within four hours' drive for visitors combining multiple destinations. No rail or scheduled bus service reaches Alta, Wyoming, or Driggs, Idaho, making a rental car the standard way to arrive.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Grand Targhee, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
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Grand Targhee Webcams
6 live angles across the mountain. Tap any camera to go full-screen.
About Grand Targhee's live webcams
Check live conditions across Grand Targhee with 6 real-time webcams showing snow, weather, and lift operations, updated every 10 minutes. Check high-elevation cams for powder visibility and base-area cams for crowd levels before you head up.
Camera guide
- Dreamcatcher7,999ft
- Monitor mid-mountain terrain through this Grand Targhee webcam positioned at Dreamcatcher at 2438 meters elevation on the western slopes of the Tetons. This Grand Targhee live cam captures the resort's signature intermediate cruising terrain and shows real-time snow conditions. Perfect for checking visibility across the mountain's famous powder fields, this live snow cam reveals why Grand Targhee receives over 500 inches of legendary Wyoming snow annually.
- Summit10,000ft
- Experience commanding summit perspectives through this Grand Targhee live cam stationed at the peak at 3048 meters elevation. This Grand Targhee webcam delivers breathtaking views across the Teton Range and Jackson Hole valley beyond. Essential for assessing upper mountain conditions and visibility, this live snow cam showcases the dramatic alpine environment and deep powder zones that make this Wyoming resort a powder hunter's paradise.
- Snow Stake7,999ft
- Track precise snowfall accumulation through this Grand Targhee webcam focused on the official snow stake at 2438 meters. This specialized Grand Targhee live snow cam provides real-time measurements of fresh powder at one of North America's snowiest ski resorts. Perfect for timing your powder days, this live cam delivers accurate snow data throughout the day, helping you maximize your experience at this legendary Teton mountain destination.
- Habitat / Colter8,599ft
- Capture the action at the Habitat and Colter lift areas through this Grand Targhee live cam at 2621 meters elevation. This Grand Targhee webcam monitors two of the resort's key lift terminals accessing varied terrain from beginner to expert. Monitor current conditions and lift operations through this live snow cam positioned where multiple terrain zones converge at this family-friendly Wyoming mountain.
- Teton Valley View7,999ft
- Witness spectacular Teton Valley panoramas through this Grand Targhee webcam offering sweeping views at 2438 meters. This Grand Targhee live snow cam captures the dramatic eastern Idaho landscape spreading below the resort's western-facing slopes. Essential for monitoring regional weather patterns and visibility, this live cam showcases the stunning geographical setting that makes Grand Targhee unique among Teton-area ski destinations.
- Grand Targhee Plaza7,999ft
- Stay connected to base village activity through this Grand Targhee live cam positioned at the main plaza at 2438 meters elevation. This Grand Targhee webcam provides real-time views of arrivals, guest services, and the welcoming base area atmosphere. Perfect for checking crowd levels and current weather, this live snow cam captures the friendly mountain town vibe at Wyoming's premier powder destination.
Grand Targhee snow cams FAQ
How often do Grand Targhee snow cams update?
All Grand Targhee snow cams and webcams update every 10 minutes with fresh images showing current mountain conditions. This frequent update schedule ensures you have access to near real-time conditions for planning your ski day at Grand Targhee.
Which Grand Targhee webcam shows the best powder conditions?
The high-elevation Summit webcam at 3,048m provides the clearest view of powder conditions and snowfall. These Grand Targhee webcams capture fresh snow accumulation and visibility better than base area cameras.
Can I see Grand Targhee lift queues on the webcams?
Yes. Multiple Grand Targhee snow cams specifically show lift queue areas and chairlift operations, helping you time your arrival and avoid peak queue periods.
When is the best time to check Grand Targhee snow cams?
Check Grand Targhee webcams early morning (7-8am) for overnight snowfall assessment, and mid-afternoon for current crowd levels and weather. The live cams are most useful after storm events to assess fresh powder.
How can I check current conditions before buying Grand Targhee lift tickets?
Use our Grand Targhee webcams alongside the live snow report to assess conditions before purchasing lift tickets. The webcams show real-time visibility, snow quality, and operational status.
Do Grand Targhee webcams work on mobile devices?
Yes. All Grand Targhee snow cams and webcams are optimized for mobile viewing, so you can check live conditions from anywhere using your phone or tablet.
More Grand Targhee intelligence: snow report, lift tickets, trail map, resort overview.